I’m heading out for a few days to explore the San Andreas Fault and some of its surroundings … and hopefully seeing some great wildflower blooms.

I’ll be in Pinnacles National Monument, then Carrizo Plain National Monument, and stopping in at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve if I get some time on the ride back. I don’t know what kind of cell phone service I’ll be getting in those areas, but if you’re going to be nearby, feel free to hit me up on Twitter to join me for a stroll or some freeze dried lasagna.

While I’m gone, here are two things to help you get ready for the weekend:

1. I know the REI 20% off for members coupon just expired, but those lovable upper midwesterners at Moosejaw just loosed their own version into the wild. Moosejaw is a kind of funky little outdoor outfitter with a surprising sense of humor, good deals on gear, and really comfortable clothes. Enjoy! Get 20% Off Any Regularly Priced Moosejaw Item Sitewide with coupon code 206!

2. Since Wildflower Season is in full force these days, maybe it’s time you brushed up on your flower-shooting skills. For that, Steve Berardi of the PhotoNaturalist put together a great, free eBook with 13 tips for better wildflower photography. It’s helpful, informative, and well done. We’ll see how many of those tips I can remember out in the field.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.